Monday, October 03, 2005

Marines Fisting the Terrorist Insurgency Near Syria

The American Forces Press Service reports that the Marines, Soldiers, and Sailors of Regimental Combat Team 2 are taking the fight to foreign terrorists infiltrating Iraq from Syria in the second day of Operation Kabda Bil Hadid (Iron Fist). A combination of infantry, armor, and air strikes are taking a toll on any of the jihadi babyhunters who choose to stand and fight. No Marine casualties have been reported.

From the news release:

...force engaged seven terrorists west of Sadah with Marine aircraft at about 11:45 a.m., officials said.

Four terrorists were killed and the others fled into a nearby building. When the terrorists began firing, aviation assets were again called in, and the number of casualties was unknown at the time.

At noon, terrorists forcibly entered a building and began firing on Marines. Unable to suppress the fire, Marines fired one round from an M-1A1 tank into the building, injuring five civilians. Officials said Marines treated and released four. One civilian was evacuated to Baghdad and is reported to be in stable condition.

Later, Marines killed eight terrorists near Karabilah, when they engaged the Marines with rocket propelled grenades, but couldn't find any civilians to hide behind.

There was also this:

At about 3 p.m., a suicide car bomber prematurely detonated his vehicle and was killed, officials said.